City celebrates success of joint homeless efforts and announces full-scale launch of MH-3 Program

News Release from Office of the Mayor, September 1, 2026

HONOLULU — Originally launched as a pilot program, the Mental Health 3 (MH-3) initiative is now permanent and expanding across Oʻahu. This program brings together the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) teams, behavioral health professionals, and homeless outreach providers to connect individuals experiencing mental health crises with the appropriate care and services. Since its launch, the program has assisted 150 individuals.

The initiative was further strengthened last year when Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green signed Act 219 into law, allowing qualified individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis to be transported for an emergency psychiatric evaluation when specific criteria are met. This includes situations in which an individual may pose a danger to themselves or others, and when voluntary treatment is not possible.

“When we created CORE, this is exactly what I envisioned: meeting people where they are and having the ability to connect those most in need with the care and support that can change their lives,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Now, with the law behind us, we have another important tool to help our teams reach chronically homeless individuals struggling with severe mental illness or substance abuse and get them off the streets and into appropriate care. This strengthens the mission of CORE and gives our people greater ability to make a real and lasting difference.”

Along with Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), CORE teams conducting MH-3 responses are required to have a physician or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) on every call to assess the patient’s medical needs on scene. The physician or APRN works alongside a designated mental health emergency worker to determine the most appropriate destination for the patient.

“With the passage of Act 219 in 2025, we now have another avenue to help individuals who are in urgent need of medical and psychiatric treatment. Our CORE teams witness every day the decompensation of people living on our streets,” said Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland. “We know they need help, and Act 219 gives us a safe and compassionate option to connect them with the care they need, immediately.”

At the Honolulu Police Department, the MH-3 process is led by the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). CIT is made up of officers who have received specialized training in behavioral health, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and community resources. HPD’s CIT officers have seen firsthand the difference this coordinated approach can make. To support the expansion of the MH-3 program and extend its reach across Oʻahu, HPD has doubled the size of its Crisis Intervention Team and continues to work closely with CORE to provide MH-3 response throughout the island.

“We’ve seen lives changed for the better through the work of our CIT officers and our partners at CORE,” said Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar. “This expansion will help us reach more people in crisis and connect them with the care and support they need to move toward greater stability.”

If you have concerns regarding the well-being of homeless individuals, requests can be submitted online at HNL311.com or by calling (808) 768-2673. All requests submitted to CORE are for non-emergencies only.

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